AWARD OF THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL - By direction of
the President, under the provisions of Executive Order 9419, 4 February 1944
(Sec II, WD Bul 3, 1944), and pursuant to authority in AR 600-45, the Bronze
Star Medal with Letter "V" device for heroic achievement in connection with
military operations against an enemy of the United States is awarded to the
following named officers andenlisted men:

CAPTAIN CLAUD SMITH, 01011956, Armor, Heavy Tank Company,
65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On 1 July 1951,
Captain SMITH was the commanding officer of a tank-Infantry task force with
the mission of securing Hill 488 near Won-ni, Korea. Reaching the objective,
the infantry became pinned down by automatic weapons, mortar, and sniper fire
from enemy positions on an adjacent higher hill. With complete disregard for
his safety, Captain SMITH exposed himself in the turret of his tank in order
to search out the hostile positions and direct fire upon the enemy. When his
radio failed, Captain SMITH , while still under heavy enemy fire, moved to
another tank and continued to direct fire while standing exposed on the back
deck of the tank until the enemy was neutralized and had withdrawn. His heroic
actions reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered
the military service from the Commonwealth of Kentucky.